Portland Marathon: The St. John's Hill

Someone emailed me asking just how hard the hill is at the St. John's Bridge. That's a great question! Here is what I told him...if you have additional suggestions please either comment below or email me!

First of all, don't be scared. You've trained for a marathon, and one hill isn't going to keep you from reaching your goal!

We will have Tyvek pace bands for you to get at the Portland Marathon Sports Authority Sports & Fitness Expo. Come to the OregonLive.com/Red Lizard booth to get yours. It can be worn like a bracelet and even already has the adhesive. It's a nice thing to help you stay on pace during the race.

Let's say you want to run a 4:30 marathon. That is the group I am pacing.

Mile 3 is going to be my slowest mile, at 10:38. The St. John's Bridge is mile 17 which I am to run in 10:32.

Part of what makes the St. John's Bridge scary is that it LOOKS so big and you can see it for SO LONG before you get there. Also, runners are more spread out at that point in the race so it's harder to find another runner, mentally clamp on to them, and get up the hill.
Here are my tips:
1. Remember that the mile marker is half way up the hill! When you see it, you're half way done.

2. Remember that you're running a whole marathon...with more than 8 miles after this little hill. So if you need to walk, walk! You can make up the 20-30 seconds over the next 8 miles. A walk can give your running muscles a well needed break. You want to be fresh when you get to the top, so you can take advantage of the downhill!

3. Little steps, use your arms, and lean forward from the ankles, not the waist.

4. Give yourself small goals up the hill. Another runner. A tree. Visualize a giant rubber band wrapped around you and that object, and imagine it's pulling you up the hill. It sounds cheesy, but if you really focus on that, it will help you up that hill!

5. Make sure you remember that the crest is actually mid-way ON the St. John's Bridge. Visualize yourself finishing that part strong and taking a second to take a deep breath, look South, and celebrate your accomplishment!